THE third annual Illawarra Trades Roadshow was held at Five Islands Secondary College on September 3 and 4.

More than 1000 students from the region’s high schools attended the two-day trades roadshow.

The roadshow provides Year 9 and 10 students with “hands on” experience of the wide variety of trade opportunities and non-university careers on offer in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highland regions.

Tradespeople and apprentices from a diverse range of trades including carpentry, plumbing, mechanical technology, hospitality, nursing plus were on hand to give students interactive experiences.

Event co-ordinator Tracey Storm of Workplace Learning Illawarra said participation in the roadshow means students will be better informed of the wide range of opportunities available to them when they leave school and head into the workforce.

‘‘They will also be better informed to select their pathways for completing their senior secondary schooling and will be able to consider Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses; flexible pathways offered by schools as part of the HSC; plus school based apprenticeship and traineeship options,’’ Ms Storm said.